Vacancy: Professional Officer


Vacancy: Professional Officer
Advertiser: City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality
Level of Government: Municipality
Type: See advert for details
Salary and benefits: See advert for details
Number available: 1
Location: City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality
Province: Western Cape
Country: South Africa
Closing date: 30 January 2015

Click here to apply
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How to handle a job offer:

It is always a very smart move to ask for the job offer in writing before accepting anything. However, prior to getting the job offer you should have done some homework in terms of what you are worth. There are a number of sources that you can consult:

- if you are currently employed then your existing package will probably be your starting point of how much you are worth (it is important to work with your total cost-to-company package which should include all your benefits).
- Consult with your recruitment agency who will have this kind of information available.
- Salary surveys in financial or other publications might also be of assistance.
- Have a look at similar vacancies on the internet or in newspapers to see what the industry is paying.

If the issue of salary is raised by the employer then it is best to give a range that starts 10% - 15% above what you are current package.

When an offer is made you need to consider a number of things:

- Look at the total cost-to-company package inclusive of all the benefits (e.g. is there a pension and medical aid scheme, incentives, bonuses, overtime payments, a 13th cheque, etc)
- There might be a number of hidden benefits (e.g. training, shares, profit sharing, parking, transport, etc)
- Opportunities for growth and development.

Discuss any concerns you might have with your recruitment agency. They should be able to guide you and answer some of the questions you might have. Clarify any and all concerns prior to accepting the offer.

However, if the offer was too low you need to negotiate with the right attitude. Now is not the time to make demands. Remember: You probably need them more than what they need you. Approach the negotiation in a professional manner and if you are making use of an agency it might be best for them to handle it.

Once you have accepted the offer you need to establish when and where to report for duty (if this information was not communicated in the offer). It is always a good idea to write a letter to thank the company for the opportunity, indicate acceptance of the offer and to confirm the starting date. Ensure that you have included all your contact details again and that there are no spelling mistakes in your letter.